This week following the Presidents Day holiday we've looked at chandeliers and artwork that is decorating the White House. In this post we'll take a look back through some decorating trends that had their moment in the White House. To think of the White House as a living "decorating history book" is kind of fun!

Some of the public rooms are more limited in what can change (such as the blue room, red room, green room), so we focused more on the residence part that showed strong evolution through the years. As the rooms evolved the unused furniture and decor was stored away for possible reuse again for another redesign. It's fascinating to take a look though how the rooms changed over the years, especially in the function. Some converted from living room to bedroom. This post just skims the surface, so you can click here, here, and here for more information.

West Sitting Hall

Many residents of the White House used this area as their living room. The main focal point of this room is the large beautiful half moon window. Therefore the biggest impact on the room was usually a result of the draperies chosen, and the furniture and color theme were secondary. There were so many pictures to choose from so here are just a few dramatically different looks. Click here for more on the West Sitting Hall.

Heavy draperies with bold pattern keep the focal point, but cover up the beautiful window (even when pulled back)

Sheer layers pulled back along the arch soften the look but still highlight the window architecture. circa 1963

Neutral colors with tapered valence ends emphasizes the center arch and blends the rest into the wall. circa 1981.

This straight panel look is contemporary and open, while letting the entire arch peek through the center. Panels in wall color don't compete with the window. circa 2001

Family Residence Dining Room

The dining room was a fun set of pictures to see how different the rooms looked even when using some of the same elements! A small study in "Using What You Have".

1963 - The newly redone dining room, it started off as a bedroom then a family room before it became the dining room. The wall to wall carpet was removed and an area rug re-introduced (as it had been in the bedrooms). New chairs and table, wallpaper, eagle mirror.

1990's. The first time we see new chairs, it seems like the same table and carpet. New wallpaper, drapes, decorations, and perhaps the original chandelier. Lots of floral decor.

2008. Can't find more pictures, but we see the square carpet from the 1970's back again, possibly the gold mirror as well, reupholstered chairs from 1990. New wallpaper and the first time we see a new round table.

The Family Theatre

Originally a cloakroom this theatre is where presidents might rehearse their speeches or just enjoy a family movie night. More pictures here.

1948 Theatre during Truman era. Basic formal chairs in a row.

1958 Eisenhower, movies were a black tie affair! And then grandkids on the right.

Theatre during 1992- 2004

Theatre 2005- Present - much more familiar to a standard movie theatre. Apparently with a 3D option!

We could spend all day researching and posting each room, so instead here are some links to other rooms: